Abstract: A device coupled to a smart card reader may request random data from a smart card inserted into the smart card reader, and the smart card reader may incorporate the random data into its randomness pool. A device having a source of random data may have a driver installed thereon for the smart card reader. The device may generate a random session key to encrypt traffic between the device and the smart card reader. The device may send an encrypted version of the random session key to the smart card reader. The smart card reader may decrypt the encrypted version and incorporate the random session key into its randomness pool. A smart card reader may incorporate random data received from a smart card inserted therein into its randomness pool.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method is provided for managing secure registration of a mobile communications device, the method comprising registering, at a network node, the mobile communications device using a first registration process, the first registration process requiring an authentication key associated with the mobile communications device; processing a request from the mobile communications device, the request including an indication that the mobile communications device is changing to a second registration process; and clearing the authentication key associated with the mobile communications device upon expiration of a time window.

Abstract: A mobile communications device for communicating with a wireless network is described. The device includes a processor, a communications sub-system connected to the processor for exchanging signals with the wireless network and with the processor, a user input device connected to the processor for sending user input signals to the processor in response to user inputs. A security module is associated with the processor for automatically taking a security action upon detecting a predetermined security user input through the user input device. The security action can include sending a duress message and/or wiping data stored on the device.

Abstract: An improved encryption and digital signature system and method in accordance with the invention reuses an encryption ephemeral key pair from an encryption process in a digital signature process. The reuse of the encryption ephemeral key pair in the digital signature process advantageously results in reduced byte size of the digital signature and reduction of costly computation overhead. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is based on the El Gamal encryption scheme and the Nyberg-Rueppel signature scheme. The present invention is particularly useful for operation in conjunction with small communication devices having limited processing and storage, wherein such devices may communicate via bandwidth sensitive RF links.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a scheme is provided for managing secure registration of a mobile communications device. Upon being provided with an upgraded registration process that requires encryption, the mobile communications device has the option of continuing to register with a network node using a downgraded registration process within a specified time window which involves unencrypted registration requests and responses. Thereafter, the mobile communications device is operable to select between the upgraded and downgraded registration processes.

Abstract: A system includes a wireless-enabled smart card reader able to be connected concurrently to at least two devices and a mobile device able to be connected wirelessly to the smart card reader and to control connections of the smart card reader.

Abstract: A mobile communications device for communicating with a wireless network. The device includes a processor, a communications sub-system connected to the processor for exchanging signals with the wireless network and with the processor, a user input device connected to the processor for sending user input signals to the processor in response to user inputs. A security module is associated with the processor for automatically taking a security action upon detecting a predetermined security user input through the user input device. The security action can include sending a duress message and/or wiping data stored on the device.

Abstract: An improved encryption and digital signature system and method in accordance with the invention reuses an encryption ephemeral key pair from an encryption process in a digital signature process. The reuse of the encryption ephemeral key pair in the digital signature process advantageously results in reduced byte size of the digital signature and reduction of costly computation overhead. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is based on the El Gamal encryption scheme and the Nyberg-Rueppel signature scheme. The present invention is particularly useful for operation in conjunction with small communication devices having limited processing and storage, wherein such devices may communicate via bandwidth sensitive RF links.

Abstract: A hand-held electronic device with a keyboard optimized for use with the thumbs is disclosed. In order to operate within the limited space available on a hand-held electronic device, the present invention optimizes the placement and shape of the keys, preferably using keys that are oval or oblong in shape, and that are placed at angles designed to facilitate thumb-typing. The angles at which keys on either side of the keyboard are placed is complimentary.

Abstract: A hand-held electronic device with a keyboard optimized for use with the thumbs is disclosed. In order to operate within the limited space available on a hand-held electronic device, the present invention optimizes the placement and shape of the keys, preferably using keys that are oval or oblong in shape, and that are placed at angles designed to facilitate thumb-typing. The angles at which keys on either side of the keyboard are placed is complimentary.

Abstract: A reader device includes a housing for receiving a smart card, a processor in electronic communication with an integrated circuit chip of the smart card when the smart card is received in the housing, a wireless communications device in electronic communication with the processor for enabling the reader device to transmit first encrypted information wirelessly and to receive second encrypted information wirelessly, and a memory in electronic communication with the processor that includes one or more routines executable by the processor. The one or more routines include a cryptographic module adapted to encrypt first information to create the first encrypted information and decrypt the second encrypted information to obtain second information. In addition, a communication system that includes the reader device and a computing device, wherein the reader device and computing device are able to wirelessly exchange information in a secure manner.

Abstract: A device coupled to a smart card reader may request random data from a smart card inserted into the smart card reader, and the smart card reader may incorporate the random data into its randomness pool. A device having a source of random data may have a driver installed thereon for the smart card reader. The device may generate a random session key to encrypt traffic between the device and the smart card reader. The device may send an encrypted version of the random session key to the smart card reader. The smart card reader may decrypt the encrypted version and incorporate the random session key into its randomness pool. A smart card reader may incorporate random data received from a smart card inserted therein into its randomness pool.

Abstract: A reader device includes a housing for receiving a smart card, a processor in electronic communication with an integrated circuit chip of the smart card when the smart card is received in the housing, a wireless communications device in electronic communication with the processor for enabling the reader device to transmit first encrypted information wirelessly and to receive second encrypted information wirelessly, and a memory in electronic communication with the processor that includes one or more routines executable by the processor. The one or more routines include a cryptographic module adapted to encrypt first information to create the first encrypted information and decrypt the second encrypted information to obtain second information. In addition, a communication system that includes the reader device and a computing device, wherein the reader device and computing device are able to wirelessly exchange information in a secure manner.

Abstract: A device coupled to a smart card reader may request random data from a smart card inserted into the smart card reader, and the smart card reader may incorporate the random data into its randomness pool. A device having a source of random data may have a driver installed thereon for another device and the driver may extract random data from the source and transmit it securely over a wireless communication link to the other device. The other device, which may be a smart card reader, may incorporate the extracted random data into its randomness pool. A smart card reader may incorporate traffic received from a smart card inserted therein into its randomness pool.

Abstract: Different target transmit powers are determined for different wireless transmissions from a wireless device. The target transmit power of a wireless transmission may depend upon whether any transmitters other than the device to which the wireless transmission is to be sent are within range of the sending wireless device. The target transmit power of a wireless transmission may be based, at least in part, on a current location of a device to which one or more frames carried by the wireless transmission are addressed. The target transmit power of a wireless transmission may be based, at least in part, on confidentiality of data carried by the wireless transmission.

Abstract: Different target transmit powers are determined for different wireless transmissions from a wireless device, the different transmissions having different security requirements. For example, the security requirements of a particular transmission may include a security ranking of a device to which one or more frames carried by the particular transmission are addressed. In another example, the security requirements of a particular transmission may include the confidentiality of data carried by the particular transmission.

Abstract: Apparatus, and an associated method, for a mobile station, or other radio communication device, operable pursuant to an instant message, or other push message, service. Prior to effectuation of the communications pursuant to the service, the mobile station logs-in. The log-in utilizes encrypted log-in information pursuant to a log-in procedure, e.g., keys are exchanged between the mobile station and a communication network. The network approves the log-in of the mobile station, and admits the mobile station. A detector at the mobile station detects the admittance. Subsequently, messages are generated and sent and received pursuant to the instant message, or other push message, service.

Abstract: In a system with a policy server, a first device able to communicate with the policy server and a second device able to communicate with the first device and unable to communicate with the policy server, the first device is to act as a policy proxy. The policy server may communicate to the first device a policy for the second device, and the first device may communicate the policy to the second device.

Abstract: A hand-held electronic device with a keyboard optimized for use with the thumbs is disclosed. In order to operate within the limited space available on a hand-held electronic device, the present invention optimizes the placement and shape of the keys, preferably using keys that are oval or oblong in shape, and that are placed at angles designed to facilitate thumb-typing. The angles at which keys on either side of the keyboard are placed is complimentary.

Abstract: A method and system for data protection for applications that includes registering applications with a storage cleaning mechanism so that the registered applications can receive notification of impending storage cleaning operations. Upon receiving notification of an impending cleaning operation, the registered applications can release or unreference storage so it can be cleaned of data.